Ricky brings laughter to Rhyl

Jul 16 2009 by Andrew Davies, North Wales Weekly News

TRAVELLING in a packed car on his way to the next show on his nationwide tour, Ricky Tomlinson is enjoying life on the road with his new Laughter Show.

The Royle Family star Ricky is relishing appearing on stage at Rhyl’s Pavilion Theatre this month.

“We’re about 20 gigs in and it’s been going tremendously,” he said.

Ricky has become a national treasure for his role as head of the Royle family where, since 1998, he has played Jim alongside his Brookside screen wife Sue Johnston.

The grumpy dad persona transmits itself on stage as Ricky's personality, presence and character ensure audiences enjoy two hours of comedy.

Ricky lived much of his life in Wrexham, and recently built a new home on the banks of the Dee.

He’s joined on stage by Tony Barton (Coronation Street and Emmerdale), Eddie Archer (The Comedians) and Black Onyx (Rock with Laughter).

“We do a little audience participation with a caption competition, and some of the captions people come up with are brilliant.

“The second half of the show is all music with our comic band. We were in front of 2,200 people in Skegness and signing autographs till 1am, I love it.”

Ricky Tomlinson comes to the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl on July 19 at 7.30pm. Tickets from £16.50 on 01745 330000 or rhylpavilion.co.uk